The focus this Christmas (2015) will be defined by the phrase, “May the comfort and compassion of Christ fill your season.” During a time of the year when things are so hectic, it is difficult to remember the simplicity and beauty of the fact that God invaded time and space in order to demonstrate His compassion for mankind through, what we call, the incarnation… God taking the initiative to be in our midst and humbly give Himself as a ransom for us. His compassion is a model and example for the kind of love that He would have us live out in our lives. Nothing could be more important, powerful and significant.
When all the details of life are not guaranteed, we are left to embrace the ever present reality that God is our ever present reality. His inclination is toward us and our good. He is more in love with us than we realize. He desires our holiness more than 
we have ever dreamed. He desires that His glory not only be shared with us, but that His glory might be transmitted through us to a world in tremendous need. Therefore, we are endeavoring to join Him in reaching the world with His comfort and His compassion. There will be many opportunities for you to do this in your homes, neighborhoods, community and internationally. Some of those opportunities may be coordinated through Quest and are listed below. However you do it, our prayer is that you might be thrilled to reveal God, and His compassion, to the world this Christmas.
In order to make everyone aware of what’s coming down the pipe this Christmas season within Quest, we wanted to make sure you had plenty of time to plan ahead because we know calendars fill up quickly this time of year. If you see something you’re interested in, make a note and stay tuned for more information and specifics on when to sign up and get involved.
November and Early December
(more information is to come on these upcoming projects)
- Quest will begin selling gift tags in packs of 5 for $5. These tags are printed on seed paper so the recipient can then plant the tag and grow beautiful wildflowers this spring as an ongoing gift beyond just what’s given at Christmas. The tags read, “May the Comfort and Compassion of Christ fill your season.” Proceeds from the tag sales will go to help pay for Bingo prizes and food for dinner at the Ronald McDonald House.
- We will be coming alongside Crestview Middle and Ellisville Elementary in making sure that their families with need are taken care of this Christmas through the “Snowflake program” that we’ve done the last few years.
December 12th – Bingo @ Big Bend Woods Healthcare Center
- Loving and engaging the residents through several fun games of bingo
- Volunteers needed: 10-12
- Time: 9 – 11:15 am
- For details contact: Bonnie Krueger at croppingmama@att.net
December 19th – Bingo @ Big Bend Woods Healthcare Center
- The details are the same as above, but the Wilkinson BLT has volunteered to cover this event/
December 24th – Advent Conspiracy
- The money received will help WISH fulfill their mission in LaGanove, Haiti
- Also to help meet the needs of people in the community.
- This collection is taken during the Christmas Eve Service, however you can specify your giving at other times if you won’t be at that particular service but would still like to contribute.
Dec 25th – Christmas Day Nursing Home visits
- Love and engage residents at 2 nursing homes:
- Big Bend Woods Healthcare Center
- Community Care Center
- Hand out teddy bears to residents
- Volunteers needed: All are welcome
- Time: Meet @ 8:30 then visit from 9 – 11:00 am
- For details contact: Doug Walker at walkersmo@gmail.com
Jan 2nd – Ronald McDonald House Dinner
- Prepare a buffet style dinner for the residents
- Sit and talk with residents while they dine
- Volunteers needed: 8 – 10
- Time: 4:30 – 7:30 pm
- For details contact: Kim Kraus at kimberlykraus@att.net